2015 Elections: “PDP Have 90% Chance To Retain Kogi State” – Dr. Egwu

Honourable Emmanuel Makoji Egwu is an aspirant of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for House of Representatives from Idah, Igalamela/Odolu, Ofu and Ibaji of Kogi State in the March 28 general elections. He is also the secretary of the party in the state.

In an exclusive interview with KOGI REPORTS’ Wale Afolabi, Dr. Egwu clears the air on the popularity of the ruling party in the state, postponement of the elections, PVC distribution and Governor Wada’s agenda to move Kogi State forward.

Excerpts:

Q: With few days to general elections, how confident are you that PDP will retain Kogi State considering the pressure of opposition in the state?

Going into the poll, I must tell you that I’m very confident and I must tell you that Kogi State is a PDP State, I can confidently tell you that 90% of the people in this state have sympathy for PDP.

This is because of the way the founding members of PDP have endeared the party to the people at the grassroots. This has being the dividends of democracy that have been distributed evenly, judiciously and equitably of PDP over time.

Like the former governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris performed marvelously well compared to Alhaji Abubakar Audu, and of course today the present governor Capt. Idris Ichalla Wada even in the midst of meagre resources, he’s performing and that is why the people of Kogi State will forever remain grateful to PDP as party for being grateful and we will always work towards everything that will bring dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Q: What is your position on the postponement of the general elections and is it a blessing in disguise for you and your party or doom?

It’s just that the distribution of the PVC is not 100% completed. And in democracy its govt of the people by the people and for the people, and expectedly you are not suppose to disenfranchise any single person, any qualify voter, if you don’t distribute to the whole voters, you are disenfranchising them, and that is the argument by some persons that INEC should agree they are at fault. Saying that they are ready as at February 14 was not right because as at that time, reasonable percentage of the people has not collected their PVCs at that time and it is the requirement. That is the area we believe INEC should be up and doing and ensures that at least close to 100% have collected their PVCs before the elections.

Q: The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC in Kogi State said 71% PVCs have distributed in the state, can we take that to the poll with satisfaction?

I think that is left for the political statistician to analyze whether it is reasonable within the political realm for 70 % of the electorates to go the poll or it should be 100% because I’m not a political statistician, but as a normal politician, disenfranchising can even be one person but I leave to those in charge to calculate whether it is ok for the poll.

Q: For emerging as the candidate of the PDP through primaries, how do you intend to justify you deserve the mandate to represent your people at the national assembly?

My primary election was free and fair, it was testified by all relevant and expected agencies, it was the most free and fair primaries we have ever had in this state, I gave my opponent the wide margin, when I was having 83 votes the person close to me was having like 40 votes at the primaries, it shows the level of support I have at the litmus level, because this is primarily is at the litmus level. I want to thank them for their support  and I want to them ahead for their votes they will give me to represent them, I’m very sure with my track record in representing the good people of my constituency, I’m sure of total victory at the main poll come March 28.

Q: How will you talk about opposition in Kogi State?

Do we even have opposition in Kogi State? All we have is those that come together and always form fabricated lies against PDP, and no party or organization can succeed with lies. PDP is a party of structure, we have in all units, wards and constituencies and no matter how many the opposition are, so far they are built on lies, they cannot defeat PDP, because it’s a party of structure and strong foundation. I want urge all the party supporters to continue with their supports and of course to those sitting on the fence to come in and give their support to PDP at the poll.

Q: The leadership of the PDP has been under question, when and who do you think will succeed Hon Hassan Salawu?

I cannot say anything on that. That will be decision of the people and leadership of the party but I’m very sure every decision on that will have to come after elections.

Q: What are your expectations on the general elections?

I believe it will be peaceful, go on as planned. My only concern is the distribution of the PVC, I hope it will improve in terms of distribution that everybody will get their cards to exercise their franchise at the poll and finally I believe PDP will in all elections.